Definition

The medium of performance for a musical composition in coded form. Also contains the number of parts, indicated by a two-digit number immediately following the code for the musical instruments or voices (e.g., va02, a two-part composition for Voices - Soprano). The function of the instrumentalist or vocalist is represented by the choice of subfield code. If the number of parts is not specified or cannot be determined, it may be omitted.

Generally, use field 048 for:

Works for which the medium of performance is stated explicitly or can be easily identified

Arrangements for specific instrumentation

Chamber music

Choral works with or without soloists

Music for a specified large ensemble

Solo instrumental music

Songs with specified accompaniment

Do not use field 048 for:

Works for which the medium is not stated explicitly in the item and cannot be inferred

Collections of miscellaneous instrumentation

Folk music

Folk songs

Hymns and liturgical chants

Musical comedies

Operas and other large vocal works with unspecified instrumentation

School songbooks without specified instrumentation

Sound recordings of popular music

You may also use field 382 to record medium of performance information in textual form.

Guidelines

Use the following guidelines.

Arrangements are coded for the medium of the work being described, not for the original medium.

Codes are recorded in score order, if possible, listing soloists first.

If a performer plays more than one instrument in a composition, code for the principal instrument if that can be determined. Code for the first instrument, if it cannot.

If in doubt, use the more specific code. For example, use code vh for high voice only if the score is not more specific indicating soprano, tenor, etc.

Use code vn for a narrator or speaker. If the item has monologues with music (Orchestra), enter:

048

‡b vn01 ‡a oa

Use unspecified codes if the composition has been prepared without specific instrumentation. If the item is a sextet for woodwinds, enter:

048

wn06

Use the various unknown codes if you cannot determine the specific instrumentation.

If you use the MARC 21 Instruments or Voices Codes below to specify the instruments or voices, code the 2nd indicator blank ( ). These MARC 21 codes are recorded in lowercase alphabetic characters. After each code, enter a two-digit number indicating the number of parts, not the number of performers (except, code for the number of performers in the case of percussion). If the number of parts is unknown, enter only the code for the instrument or voice.

Source specified in subfield ‡2. The source of the instruments or voices code is indicated by a code in subfield ‡2.

Subfields

‡a Performer or ensemble

An alphabetic code for a performer or ensemble and, if applicable, a two-digit number specifying the number of parts (except, code for the number of performers in the case of percussion). If the number of parts is unknown, enter only the code for the instrument or voice.

048

ka01 ‡a sa01 ‡a sc01

[Piano trio]

048

‡b vi01 ‡a ka01

[For medium voice soloist and piano accompaniment]

048

ka01

048

kb01

[For piano or organ]

048

‡b oe01 ‡a oa

[Concerto for dance band with orchestra]

‡b Soloist

An alphabetic code for an accompanied soloist and, if applicable, a two-digit number specifying the number of parts. If codes for soloists are present, list them first. If the number of parts is unknown, enter only the code for the instrument or voice.